Miami backup quarterback Brian Griese, rehabilitating from ligament damage to the big toe on his left foot, has been apprised by two foot specialists that he could miss six to eight weeks, ESPN.com has learned Tuesday.

Team officials said the injury is being re-evaluated on a week-to-week basis. They have declined to set a definitive timetable for Griese's return.

"In the grand scheme of things, I don't want to do anything stupid and jeopardize the entire season, because I've been through that before," Griese said. "I do understand how long the season is, and that we do have a lot of important games down the stretch. I want to be able to help the team in some way, some form, at that point."

Griese's left foot remains in a walking boot and progress has been slow. He has yet to be able to place much weight on the foot.

Griese was injured three plays into the second half of the Aug. 22 preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, when he stubbed his toe while rolling out to escape a pass rush.

"I heard it pop,'' Griese said after the game. "Thankfully, nothing was torn. It could have been a lot worse.''

With Griese's injury, Miami is one of seven NFL teams carrying only two healthy quarterbacks on their active roster.

even if he was healthy I think it would have been hard for him to replace Fielder as the starter. Only way it could happen would have been for Miami to open up like 1-4 or an injury to Fiedler. Ricky Williams and the defense are what makes this team go. As long as Fiedler doesn't make mistakes they should contend until they hit that December swoon.